Dust-grain processing in circumbinary discs around evolved binaries : the RV Tauri spectral twins RU Cen and AC Her

Abstract

Context: We study the structure and evolution of the circumstellar discs around evolved binaries and their impact on the evolution of the central system. Aims: By combining a wide range of observational data and techniques, we aim to study in detail the binary nature of RU Cen and AC Her, as well as the structure and mineralogy of the circumstellar environment. Methods: We combine a multi-wavelength observational program with a detailed 2D radiative transfer study. Our radial velocity program is instrumental in the study of the nature of the central stars, while our Spitzer spectra complimented with the broad-band spectral energy distribution (SED) are used to constrain mineralogy, grain sizes and physical structure of the circumstellar environment. Results: We determine the orbital elements of RU Cen showing that the orbit is highly eccentric with a large velocity amplitude despite the rather long period of 1500 days. The infrared spectra of both objects are very similar and the spectral dust features are dominated by magnesium-rich crystalline silicates. The small peak-to-continuum ratios are interpreted as being due to large grains. Our model contains two components with a cold midplain dominated by large grains, and the near- and mid-IR which is dominated by the emission of smaller silicates. The infrared excess is well modelled assuming a hydrostatic passive irradiated disc. The profile-fitting of the dust resonances shows that the grains must be very irregular. Conclusions: These two prototypical